In this podcast episode, Lorraine explores the concept of "whataboutism" as it pertains to illegal activities within the cryptocurrency space. Rather than resorting to this unproductive tactic to deflect concerns about criminal activity, Lorraine advocates for a more nuanced approach that acknowledges these concerns while also presenting a more comprehensive view. Despite the existence of illicit transactions within the crypto realm, data suggest that the vast majority of transactions are not illegal, for example. Furthermore, in regions where confidence in government-backed currencies is low and inflation is rampant, cryptocurrencies are actually adding value by providing a viable alternative to fiat currencies.

In this podcast episode, Lorraine discusses the recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and its impact on the price of stable coins, particularly USDC. She summarizes why USDC lost its dollar peg, what this depegging laid bare, and what it means for crypto users, stable coin issuers, and crypto adopters. She concludes that there is a need for more robust stable coins, and it is incumbent upon stable coin issuers to stress test their innovations and protect their holders

Lorraine discusses the recent failures of the US banks Silvergate bank, Silicon Valley bank (SVB), and Signature Bank, and what caused them⎯macro conditions, a US Fed policy that has had unintended negative effects, poor risk management, and panic. She also explains how this crisis, which was not fueled by crypto, has affected crypto businesses and stable coins.

In this podcast episode, Lorraine discusses the current state of the crypto market and the impact of recent events on the crypto industry. She highlights the negative consequences of incomplete reporting on the industry and suggests the need for more balanced reporting. She also touches on the crypto market, which is showing signs of recovery, the FTX collapse, the bankruptcy of crypto lenders Genesis Global Capital and BlockFi, and the need for regulation of crypto exchanges and lenders. Finally, she highlights the different approaches to crypto regulation in Japan, Uganda, and South Africa.

One of the criticisms that has been levelled at the crypto space is that it is not energy efficient. While it is true that blockchains that use the proof-of-work consensus mechanism consume considerable energy, this energy pales in comparison to that consumed by other sectors, such as the banking sector. Moreover, cleaner energy and renewable energy could always be used to secure these blockchains. Switching to a more energy-efficient consensus mechanism could be explored. Ethereum recently transitioned to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism that will not only make it more energy efficient but ultimately reduce its transaction costs and speeds. The collapse of FTX and Alameda has led to some soul searching in the centralized crypto space, which has experienced several failures this year. As customers have exited centralized exchanges in favor of self-custody and decentralized exchanges, to reassure potential users, centralized exchanges have decided to publish proofs-of-reserve, which though infallible, are a good first step. DeFi exchanges, lenders, and protocols, although imperfect, have continued to work as programmed.

Is anyone really using crypto? That is the question. Over the last three years, the largest asset managers in the world have changed their tune regarding cryptocurrencies by giving their clients direct and indirect exposure to Bitcoin and Ether, the two largest cryptocurrencies by market cap and arguably the two most valuable cryptocurrencies. In sub-Saharan Africa, currency devaluations and high remittance costs have driven the adoption of cryptocurrencies.

In this episode, Lorraine mentions a few ways you could limit the likelihood of a bad actor gaining access to your funds, as well as how to ensure that you do not lose access to your wallets and accounts. She stresses the need for triple- and double-checking the URLs of all crypto websites and backing up all keys and codes whose loss would separate you from your crypto.

In this episode, Lorraine explains what “not your keys, not your crypto” means, the pros and cons of holding your crypto on an exchange, and the benefits of self-custody of your crypto. She distinguishes between hot and cold wallets and emphasizes why private keys, which give you access to your funds, should be backed up and kept safe.

This episode focuses on how to purchase crypto if you are unbanked or would prefer to use methods other than your debit card or a wire transfer to buy crypto. Lorraine explains why peer-to-peer marketplaces have become popular, especially in emerging markets. She mentions their merits and limitations, and their sign-up process, and highlights a few that are worth considering.

This episode focuses on how to purchase crypto if you are banked, i.e., if you have a bank account and a credit/debit card. Lorraine explains what a centralized exchange is, how to select an exchange that meets your needs, and how to fund your exchange account. She also highlights some exchanges that are worth considering.